“I’m so proud of you, Milan. I’ll never forget you” - Sep Vanmarcke emotional over the loss of his nephew

Belgian cycling has been left in shock following the death of promising young rider Milan Bral, who passed away after a training accident on Thursday. He was 21 years old.

Bral, who competed for Dovy Keukens-FCC Cycling Team, was involved in a collision with a car at around 1:15 p.m. at a crossroads in Ronse. The rider from Anzegem was taken immediately to intensive care, but despite medical efforts, he passed away later that evening at approximately 10:30 p.m.

His team confirmed the heartbreaking news in an emotional statement shared on Facebook.

“With great sadness we have to say goodbye to our rider and teammate Milan Bral. After his serious accident during training this afternoon, he sadly could not win his final battle. He passed away in hospital, surrounded by his loved ones.”

The Belgian team, which races at the fourth tier of the sport, described Bral as far more than just an athlete.

“He was a fantastic person, a true teammate, someone who was always ready to help others and who held a warm and important place within our team. He was loved by everyone and will be deeply missed. Milan will forever remain part of our team.”

They concluded by offering support to those closest to him.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who loved him. We wish them all the strength and warmth possible in this incredibly difficult time.”

Bral came from a well-known cycling family. He was the nephew of former professional rider Sep Vanmarcke and also related to Ken Vanmarcke. Like his uncles, he had shown strong potential in the Classics and had already built a reputation as a talented young rider.

Earlier this spring, Bral competed in the Mur de Huy Classic, the under-23 version of La Fleche Wallonne. His younger brother Xibe, aged 18, is also a cyclist. Reports indicate Milan had been on his way to the GP Dries Devenyns, where his brother was racing.

Sep Vanmarcke later shared a deeply emotional tribute on social media, addressing his nephew directly.

“I don’t know where to begin, where to end. I don’t want it to end. But it is.”

He revealed that Milan had visited him shortly before leaving for his final training ride.

“Yesterday morning, before your final training session, you came by to see us.”

Vanmarcke then reflected on the painful thoughts now running through his mind.

“So much goes through me… If only I had kept you a little longer. One minute would have been enough. Then maybe you would have arrived at the crossroads a little later. Then that car might already have passed.”

He also expressed regret over missed moments together.

“If only I had gone cycling with you more often, and watched more of your races. ‘Too busy’, but now I wish for extra time with you.”

His message ended with words of pride, love and remembrance.

“I am so proud of you, Milan. Glad that I got to know you for 21 years. I love you. I will never forget you.”

The loss of Milan Bral has sent waves of grief through the Belgian cycling community, where he was regarded not only as a gifted rider, but as a young man with a bright future and a warm presence that touched many around him.